Drainage-aiding device and method of use thereof

ABSTRACT

A drainage-aiding device and method of use thereof for application in areas of water flow, such as, for exemplary purposes only, the drainage pipes of sinks, bathtubs, showers, toilets, urinals, and the like. The present invention includes a cutting blade assembly that is disposed within a drainage pipe, wherein the blade assembly may be rotated in the direction of water flow to eliminate and prevent clogs and other obstructions that may occur within the drainage pipes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to plumbing devices, and morespecifically to a drainage-aiding device and method of use thereof foreliminating and preventing clogs and other obstructions that may occurwithin bathroom drainage pipes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Waterborne wastes such as hair, dirt, grease, soap, paper products, andhuman waste, form deposits in drainage pipes. Over time, these depositsimpede the flow of water, thus requiring unclogging or cleaning of suchpipes. Unfortunately, however, most plumbing pipes are generallyinaccessible, thus making the unpleasant task of cleaning such pipesdifficult and cumbersome.

Accordingly, a variety of chemical drain cleaners have been developedfor unclogging pipes, wherein such chemical solutions are poureddirectly into a drain inlet to dissolve and degrade waste deposits andother solid obstructions. Despite their relative effectiveness, suchchemical cleaners are inherently highly corrosive and produce numerousother adverse effects. For example, chemical drain cleaners typicallyemit heat and produce harmful gases, all of which react with metaland/or plastic piping, thereby reducing the longevity of same and posinga risk to human health and the environment.

In addition to or in lieu of chemical cleaners, many homeowners utilizewire “snakes” and/or other mechanical cleaning devices to cleanse andunclog drainage pipes. Examples of such devices are taught by U.S. Pat.No. 3,872,521 to Friedman (“Friedman '521”) and U.S. Pat. No. 6,088,843to Francisco (“Francisco '843”). Friedman '521 discloses a drain trapfor sinks, bathtubs, tanks and the like, which includes a self containedcleaning means operable to dislodge waste deposited in the drain trap.The cleaning means includes a resilient strap member disposed within thetrap for reciprocatory movement when necessary, wherein the strap membercarries scrapers for dislodging deposited waste from the inner surfacesof the trap, together with auxiliary means for facilitating thedislodgement of such deposited waste. The cleaning means is integralwith the trap so as to be available for use at all times.

Francisco '843 teaches a drain strainer for a shower or tub, wherein thedrain strainer includes an upper sieve receptacle in the form of asubstantially cylindrical basket with openings for passage of water andsmaller debris, and a lower bristle extension in the form of a dependingstem with projecting bristles that ensnare hair shed from the bather.The drain strainer further includes a support structure to suspend thesieve receptacle and bristle extension within the drainage pipe.

Unfortunately, however, repetitive use of the foregoing mechanicalplumbing devices damage fixtures and leave behind abrasions within thedrainage pipes. Further, such mechanical devices are typically difficultto utilize and often require expertise in their manipulation andoperation. Therefore, the costly services of plumbing professionals areinevitably required to maintain clean and unobstructed pipes.

Therefore, it is readily apparent that there is a need for adrainage-aiding device and method of use thereof, wherein the deviceeffectively cleans and unclogs drainage pipes, and wherein the device iseasy to use despite the general inaccessibility of plumbing pipes.Further, there is a need for such a device that does not damage pipesand other plumbing fixtures, wherein the device is safe for human useand the environment.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly described, in a preferred embodiment, the present inventionovercomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and meets the recognizedneed for such a device by providing a drainage-aiding device and methodof use thereof comprising a blade assembly that is disposed within adrainage pipe, wherein the blade assembly may be rotated to eliminateand prevent clogs and other obstructions that may occur within drainagepipes.

According to its major aspects and broadly stated, the present inventionin its preferred form is a drainage-aiding device comprising a bladeassembly, a drive rod, a chain-drive assembly and a drive port.

More specifically, the blade assembly comprises a plurality of rotaryblades for cutting debris and other obstructions that may form withinthe interior of a drainage pipe. Additionally, rotation of such bladesincreases the rate of water flow to further prevent and eliminate clogsand other obstructions. The blade assembly is linked to the chain-driveassembly via the drive rod, wherein the chain-drive assembly is coupledto the drive port. The chain-drive assembly and drive rod function totransfer rotational force from the drive port to the blade assembly.More specifically, when a rotational force is applied to the drive port,such force is transferred from the drive port, through the chain-driveassembly and the drive rod, and into the blade assembly.

Accordingly, a feature and advantage of the present invention is itsability to effectively clean and unclog drainage pipes.

Another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability toassist water flow, thereby preventing clogs and other obstructions fromforming within drainage pipes.

Still another feature and advantage of the present invention is its easeof use, even in situations where plumbing pipes are renderedinaccessible by bathroom fixtures, cabinets, walls and other buildingstructures.

Yet another feature and advantage of the present invention is itsability to clean and unclog drainage pipes without scratching orotherwise damaging pipes and surrounding plumbing fixtures.

Still yet another feature and advantage of the present invention is itsability to function without application of toxic chemicals, thusproviding a safe and environmentally-conscious system and method forcleaning drainage pipes.

A further feature and advantage of the present invention is its sanitarysystem and method of operation, which enables a user to clean and unclogdrainage pipes without direct physical contact with the sewage containedtherewithin.

Still a further feature and advantage of the present invention is itsability to be either manually or electrically driven.

These and other features and advantages of the present invention willbecome more apparent to one skilled in the art from the followingdescription and claims when read in light of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be better understood by reading the DetailedDescription of the Preferred and Selected Alternate Embodiments withreference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which like referencenumerals denote similar structure and refer to like elements throughout,and in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a blade assembly of a drainage-aiding deviceaccording to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front cross-sectional view of a blade assembly and drive rodof a drainage-aiding device according to a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a drainage-aiding device according to apreferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a front view of a drainage-aiding device according to analternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a front view of a drainage-aiding device according to analternative embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a drainage-aiding device accordingto an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED AND SELECTED ALTERNATIVEEMBODIMENTS

In describing the preferred and selected alternative embodiments of thepresent invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, specific terminology isemployed for the sake of clarity. The invention, however, is notintended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and itis to be understood that each specific element includes all technicalequivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similarfunctions.

Referring now to FIG. 1-3, the present invention in a preferredembodiment is drainage-aiding device 10, wherein drainage-aiding device10 comprises blade assembly 20, drive rod 30, chain-drive assembly 40and drive port 50. Drainage-aiding device 10 is preferably utilized inconjunction with a conventional bathtub drainage system, as is commonlyknown within the art. However, it should be recognized that the presentinvention is suitable for utilization with other bathroom fixtures;therefore, while the apparatus and method of the present invention isdescribed conveniently in association with a bathtub drainage system, itis not limited to application or implementation with such fixturesalone. As such, it is contemplated in an alternative embodiment thatdrainage-aiding device 10 could be utilized with other bathroomfixtures, such as, for exemplary purposes only, bathtub pipes, showerpipes, bathroom sink pipes, toilet pipes and/or urinal pipes. Forexample, as best illustrated in FIG. 6, it is contemplated that bladeassembly 20 could be disposed within toilet T.

Preferably, blade assembly 20 comprises blades 22, shaft 24 and housing26, wherein blades 22 comprise base 28, rotary cutting edges 60 andreceiving port 62. Cutting edges 60 and receiving port 62 are preferablyaffixed to base 28 via a bolt; however, integral formation, welding andother fastening means are contemplated. Preferably, base 28 comprisesfirst side 64 and second side 66, wherein cutting edges 60 are centrallydisposed on first side 64 of base 28 and extend outwardly therefrom, andwherein receiving port 62 is centrally disposed on second side 66 ofbase 28. Receiving port 62 preferably functions to connect blades 22 toshaft 24, as more fully described below.

Preferably, shaft 24 comprises first end 70 and second end 72, whereinfirst end 70 is threadably engaged or otherwise affixed to receivingport 62 of base 28 of blades 22, and wherein second end 72 is threadablyengaged or otherwise affixed to drive rod 30.

Preferably, housing 26 comprises channel 80 formed therethrough, whereinchannel 80 is dimensioned to receive and rotationally engage shaft 24therewithin.

Blade assembly 20 is preferably disposed within P-trap P of aconventional plumbing drainage system; however, it is contemplated in analternative embodiment that blade assembly 20 could be disposed withinother linear or curved plumbing pipes that may be clogged or otherwisesusceptible to formation of solid deposits therewithin. Preferably,orifice O is formed on a sidewall of P-trap P, wherein blade assembly 20is threadably engaged or otherwise secured therewithin. It is recognizedthat drainage-aiding device 10 could further comprise seals, gasketsand/or plumbing cement to securely retain blade assembly 20 withinorifice O.

Preferably, drive rod 30 comprises first end 32 and second end 34,wherein first end 32 of drive rod 30 is threadably engaged or otherwisecoupled to second end 72 of shaft 24 of blade assembly 20, and whereinsecond end 34 of drive rod 30 is threadably engaged or otherwise coupledto chain-drive assembly 40. Drive rod 30 preferably functions totransfer a rotational force to blade assembly 20, as more fullydescribed below.

Preferably, chain-drive assembly 40 is a gear-and-chain system thatfunctions to link drive port 50 to blade assembly 20, wherein arotational force applied to drive port 50 is transferred to bladeassembly 20, as more fully described below. Chain-drive assembly 40 ispreferably affixed to the interior of wall W, wherein wall W ispreferably situated proximate bathtub B.

Preferably, chain-drive assembly 40 comprises first gear 42, second gear44 and chain 46, wherein first gear 42 and second gear 44 eachpreferably comprise a plurality of teeth 48. Teeth 48 are disposed onthe peripheral edges of first gear 42 and second gear 44, wherein teeth48 are adapted to engage chain 46.

Preferably, first gear 42 and second gear 44 further comprise apertures90, 92, respectively, and stanchions 94, 96, respectively, whereinapertures 90, 92 are centrally disposed on first gear 42 and second gear44, respectively. Preferably, apertures 90, 92 are circular-shaped andstanchions 94, 96 are cylindrical-shaped, wherein apertures 90, 92 aredimensioned to receive and retain stanchions 94, 96, respectively,therewithin via threaded engagement. Stanchions 94, 96 are preferablymounted to a wall surface, wherein first gear 42 and second gear 44 mayfreely rotate around stanchions 94, 96, respectively.

Preferably, chain 46 is a conventional linked chain, comprising aplurality of links 100, wherein gaps 102 are formed between each twosuccessive links 100. Preferably, first gear 42 is situated above secondgear 44, wherein chain 46 is disposed around first gear 42 and secondgear 44, and wherein teeth 48 of first gear 42 and second gear 44 arecooperatively engaged with gaps 102 of chain 46.

Preferably, first gear 42 and second gear 44 each further comprisebrackets 98, 99, respectively, wherein brackets 98, 99 are integrallyformed to first gear 42 and second gear 44, respectively, and whereinbrackets 98, 99 are situated proximate apertures 90, 92, respectively,of first gear 42 and second gear 44, respectively. Brackets 98, 99 arepreferably threadably engaged or otherwise coupled to drive port 50 anddrive rod 30, respectively. Preferably, bracket 98 links first gear 42to drive port 50, as more fully described below, and bracket 99 linkssecond gear 44 to second end 34 of drive rod 30, wherein a rotationalforce that is applied to drive port 50 is transferred to drive rod 30,as more fully described below.

Preferably, drive port 50 is disposed within wall W, wherein drive port50 is situated proximate first gear 42 of chain-drive assembly 40. Driveport 50 preferably comprises plate 52, bearing 54 and drive shaft 56.Preferably, plate 52 comprises aperture 58, wherein aperture 58 iscentrally disposed on plate 52. Aperture 58 is preferably dimensioned toreceive and retain bearing 54 therewithin via frictional fit, whereinbearing 54 preferably facilitates rotation of drive shaft 56, as morefully described below. Preferably, bearing 54 comprises inner channel110, wherein inner channel 110 is dimensioned to receive a drill bittherewithin.

Preferably, drive shaft 56 comprises first end 112 and second end 114,wherein first end 112 of drive shaft 56 is threadably engaged orotherwise affixed to bearing 54, and wherein second end 114 of driveshaft 56 is threadably engaged or otherwise affixed to bracket 98 offirst gear 42 of chain-drive assembly 40. Drive shaft 56 preferablyfunctions to transfers force from bearing 54 to chain-drive assembly 40.

Drainage-aiding device 10 is preferably operated in conjunction withdrill D, wherein drill D is preferably a conventional hand-held electricpower drill, as is commonly known within the art. Preferably, drill Dcomprises hexagonal-shaped drill bit DB, wherein bit DB is inserted intoinner channel 110 of drive port 50 and actuated to create anelectrically-driven rotational force. Preferably, the rotational forceis transferred from drill D to drive port 50, through chain-driveassembly 40 and drive rod 30, and into blade assembly 20. Accordingly,the rotational force preferably rotates blades 22 of blade assembly 20in the direction of water flow to eliminate and prevent clogs and otherobstructions that may occur within drainage pipes.

Referring now to FIG. 4, in an alternative embodiment, chain 46 ofchain-drive assembly 40 is replaced with drive assembly 120. Driveassembly 120 comprises rod 122 and gears 124, 126, wherein gears 124,126 are disposed on opposing ends of rod 122. In such a configuration,gear 124 of drive assembly 120 engages first gear 42 of chain-driveassembly 40, and gear 126 of drive assembly 120 engages second gear 44of chain-drive assembly 40. As such, a rotational force applied to firstgear 42 of chain-drive assembly 40 is transmitted through gear 124, rod122, and gear 126 of drive assembly 120, and to second gear 44 ofchain-drive assembly 40, thus transferring the rotational force to driverod 30.

It is further contemplated that drive port 50 comprises motor 140,wherein motor 140 is affixed to drive shaft 56 of drive port 50. Inaddition, drive port 50 comprises actuation switch 142 for activatingmotor 120, wherein activation of motor 120 creates a rotational forcethat rotates drive shaft 56 of drive port 50. Accordingly, a rotationalforce that is applied to drive shaft 56 is transferred throughchain-drive assembly 40 and drive rod 30, and into blade assembly 20 forrotating blades 22.

Referring now to FIG. 5, in another alternative embodiment, teeth 48 offirst gear 42 and second gear 44 are replaced with annular grooves 43,and chain 46 is replaced with belt 45. In such an alternativeembodiment, belt 45 engages grooves 43 via frictional engagement.

It is further contemplated that drive port 50 comprises crankhandle 130,wherein crankhandle 130 is affixed to bearing 54 of drive port 50.Accordingly, rotational manipulation of crankhandle 130 creates arotational force that is transferred from drive port 50, throughchain-drive assembly 40 and drive rod 30, and into blade assembly 20 forrotating blades 22.

In still another alternative embodiment, drainage-aiding device 10 couldbe utilized in conjunction with a removable mechanical tool, such as,for exemplary purposes only, a wrench or a crankhandle, wherein the toolcould be inserted into inner channel 110 of drive port 50 to manuallyimpart blades 22 with a rotational force.

In yet another alternative embodiment, drainage-aiding device 10 couldlack chain-drive assembly 40, wherein drill D could be directlyconnected to receiving port 62 of blade assembly 20 to provide arotational force thereto.

In still yet another alternative embodiment, chain-drive assembly 40could be disposed on the exterior of wall W.

In a further alternative embodiment, first gear 42 and second gear 44 ofchain-drive assembly 40 could be mounted to wall W via other suitablefasteners, such as, for exemplary purposes only, brackets, clamps, pins,dowels, or the like.

In still a further alternative embodiment, apertures 90, 92 of firstgear 42 and second gear 44, respectively, of chain-drive assembly 40could comprise bearings to assist rotation of first gear 42 and secondgear 44 around stanchions 94, 96, respectively.

In yet a further alternative embodiment, drainage-aiding device 10 couldcomprise two or more blade assemblies 20.

In still yet a further alternative embodiment, blade assembly 20 couldcomprise a motor for providing a rotational force thereto. In such anembodiment, the motor could be linked to an actuation switch, whereinthe actuation switch is disposed on a wall surface.

Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, itshould be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosuresare exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations,and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention.Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specificembodiments illustrated herein, but is limited only by the followingclaims.

1. A drainage-aiding device, comprising: a blade assembly, wherein saidblade assembly is disposed within a bathroom fixture, wherein thefixture is selected from the group consisting of, bathtub pipes, showerpipes, bathroom sink pipes, toilets, toilet pipes and urinal pipes. 2.The drainage-aiding device of claim 1, further comprising a driveassembly, wherein said drive assembly is coupled to said blade assembly.3. The drainage-aiding device of claim 2, wherein said drive assemblycomprises a force transferring means, wherein said force transferringmeans is selected from the group consisting of, chains, gears, rods, andcombinations thereof.
 4. The drainage-aiding device of claim 2, furthercomprising a drive port, wherein said drive port is coupled to saiddrive assembly.
 5. The drainage-aiding device of claim 4, wherein saiddrive port comprises an aperture for receiving a rotary drive meanstherewithin.
 6. The drainage-aiding device of claim 5, wherein saidrotary drive means is selected from the group consisting of drills,wrenches, crankhandles, and combinations thereof.
 7. The drainage-aidingdevice of claim 4, wherein said drive port comprises a manually operatedcrankhandle.
 8. The drainage-aiding device of claim 4, wherein saiddrive port comprises a motor.
 9. A drainage-aiding device, comprising: ablade assembly, wherein said blade assembly is disposed within adrainage pipe; and a means for rotationally-driving said blade assembly.10. The drainage-aiding device of claim 9, wherein said means forrotationally-driving said blade assembly comprises a drive assembly. 11.The drainage-aiding device of claim 10, further comprising a rotarydrive port.
 12. The drainage-aiding device of claim 10, wherein saiddrive assembly comprises a force transferring means, wherein said forcetransferring means is selected from the group consisting of, chains,gears, rods, and combinations thereof.
 13. The drainage-aiding device ofclaim 11, wherein said rotary drive port comprises an actuation drivemeans.
 14. The drainage-aiding device of claim 13, wherein saidactuation drive means is selected from the group consisting of acrankhandle and a motor.
 15. The drainage-aiding device of claim 13,wherein said actuation drive means is removably-engaged to said rotarydrive port.
 16. The drainage-aiding device of claim 15, wherein saidactuation drive means is selected from the group consisting of drills,wrenches, crankhandles, and combinations thereof.
 17. A method forimparting a rotational force within a bathroom fixture for facilitatingdrainage of liquid or solids therethrough, said method comprising thestep of: rotationally-actuating a blade assembly disposed within thebathroom fixture, wherein the fixture is selected from the groupconsisting of, bathtub pipes, shower pipes, bathroom sink pipes,toilets, toilet pipes and urinal pipes.
 18. The method of claim 17,further comprising the steps of: coupling a drive means to said bladeassembly; and actuating said drive means to rotationally drive saidblade assembly and thus impart a rotational force within the drainagepipe.
 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising the step ofimparting a manual force to rotationally drive said blade assembly. 20.The method of claim 18, further comprising the step of transferring arotational force from said drive means to a drive assembly coupled tosaid blade assembly.
 21. The method of claim 17, further comprising thestep of imparting a force to rotationally drive said blade assembly bycoupling a rotational drive means to said blade assembly, wherein saidrotational drive means is selected from the group consisting of drills,wrenches, crankhandles, and combinations thereof.